By analyzing brain scans of people watching movie clips, researchers created the most comprehensive map yet of the functions of the brain’s cerebral cortex. “By using a rich stimulus like a movie, we can drive many regions of the cortex very efficiently,” Reza Rajimehr says.

A communications user terminal developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory is preparing for its historic moon flyby: Aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, the terminal will beam data over laser links during the first crewed lunar mission since 1972.

By providing a real-time view of breast cancer during surgery, MIT spinout Lumicell may enable more complete tumor removal. “The technology we developed allows the surgeon to scan the actual cavity, whereas pathology only looks at the lump removed,” W. David Lee says.

In the latest episode of Curiosity Unbounded, President Sally Kornbluth spoke with Giovanni Traverso, a professor and practicing gastroenterologist. They discussed tackling the challenges of taking medication and the importance of entrepreneurship.

Nanoscale 3D transistors made from novel materials operate more efficiently than silicon-based devices, potentially enabling ultra-low-power AI applications. The device has “all the functions that silicon currently has, but with much better energy efficiency,” Yanjie Shao says.

Artist and designer Es Devlin is the recipient of the 2025 Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at MIT. The $100,000 prize, to be awarded at a gala in her honor, also includes an artist residency at MIT in spring 2025.